Web

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
web/web/

▶noun

• 1 a network of fine threads constructed by a spider from fluid secreted by its spinnerets, used to catch its prey.

• 2 a complex system of interconnected elements.

  ■ (the Web) the World Wide Web.

• 3 a membrane between the toes of a swimming bird or other aquatic animal.

• 4 a thin flat part connecting thicker or more solid parts in machinery.

• 5 a roll of paper used in a continuous printing process.

  ■ the endless wire mesh in a machine on which such paper is made.

• 6 a piece of woven fabric.

▶verb (webs, webbing, webbed) cover with a web.

– origin OE web(b) ‘woven fabric’, of Gmc origin; rel. to weave1.